the worst person to take camping...

[@greyhikes5236]

We all need a Gary in our lives, we have all been a Gary at one time in our lives. Embrace your inner Gary! 😁 Loved it laughed a lot. I do love my hammock camps! 🙃

[@thehikingbiker9254]

I think every outdoor person has a friend like Gary 😂

[@StephenJReid]

Drives you mad, but still fun to have around

[@simonf1303]

Hi Stephen, another great video which I can really relate to. I have the same DD Hammock and like you my first time didn’t go to plan. I have since added a self inflating mat, DD under blanket and a snakeskin for the hammock to my setup and it has made the world of difference. Is it still a pain to get in and out of - Yes, do I curse it at times - yes, but there is something about the experience of hammock camping that makes me forget the bad bits quickly and want to keep doing it. There is also nothing better than waking up on a bright morning and laying there for that first hour or two, being able to hear and see the camp around you in a way which you just don’t get with a tent.

[@StephenJReid]

Think you’ve hit the nail on the head. Being able to see around camp in the morning while cozy is very different to a tent. I’ve since ordered the underblanket. Take two coming up!

[@tomfenn7149]

How did I manage to miss this one? Solidarity with you, Stephen. Not that much of a hammock person myself. Hammocks are made by dark forces that actively plot against tall people with vertigo!

[@EmilyGallagher]

“Stop taping my misery” Lol!

[@StephenJReid]

😁😁

[@LMay64]

Underquilts are amazing. Superior Gear hammocks from Minnesota in the U.S. have them sewn on so they need NO ADJUSTMENT. You’d love it. Sleep diagonally. A top quilt works best do you don’t need to climb in. Seriously - Superior Gear hammocks with sewn on underquilts are absolutely brilliant. They also have a very cool adjustable strap system that is quick and easy. I’ve used quilts for 12 years, (Warbonnet, Dream Hammock, whoopie slings and the works). I’ve never come across a better system than Superior Gear.

[@StephenJReid]

Have now got myself the under quilt and going to give it another go 🙂

[@derekdelboy]

Were you sitting at home trying to figure out how to make a hammock review more interesting and suddenly realized. I'll bring Gary along. Well it worked 😆

[@StephenJReid]

Haha, it actually started with just a camp with Gary, then he said he didn’t want to climb any mountains so I figured a forest camp was easiest. Then remembered I hadn’t tried my hammock setup yet

[@AScotsmanOutdoors]

"Nature is allergic to me!" 😂 Brilliant! I have the same hammock and find that just sleeping right on the mat is easier than having it in the pocket. What is even better is getting an under blanket (I bought one from eBay, no major brand). I've used that setup in minus conditions with no issues. What I also have to add is that I've always had a tremendous sleep in the hammock, it really is so relaxing. Another brilliant video and I'm sure another great experience for Gary and yourself.

[@StephenJReid]

have now bought the under blanket, seems a much better solution and guessing will be a lot less restrictive too. Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@AScotsmanOutdoors]

You will not regret that purchase @@StephenJReid What one did you go for?

[@StephenJReid]

@@AScotsmanOutdoors The DD one, its designed to fit this hammock

[@paulkennedy5021]

As others have said. Amok Draumr. Camp in forests where you can't get a tent. No shoulder squeeze. Lie whatever way you like. Warm and snug. Bit expensive but its like sleeping on a magic carpet.

[@StephenJReid]

I wonder if I can get them to send me one to test 😂 spent a lot on this setup

[@paulkennedy5021]

@@StephenJReidA year ago I found a channel when I was doing research about it and the guy said he was an "Ambassador" for them. He has a much smaller channel than you. Costs nothing to ask. When I decided to try wild camping just after the lockdowns, there are not that many options in Northern Ireland. Not being a spring chicken I didn't want to go to the Mournes so I looked for possible locations in forests and as you know all our woodland is on the side of a hill and the ground is a mass of roots. I knew a hammock for me would play out just as it did for you and then I seen the Amok. It has actually spoiled me for tent camping now because I feel the slightest slope in the ground.

[@maximun1691]

i literally walked down that same path last weekend to go camping in annalong forest and it rained the entire time and i couldnt come back the way i went cause i crossed the river and the river rose overnight lol, still a good night though, slept under a tarp while everyone else brought a tent

[@StephenJReid]

I'd quite like to try this in the rain, imagine it's quite relaxing. well light rain maybe!

[@benjaminzac_Man_Wi_A_Tan]

Felt claustrophobic just watching you trying to settle into the hammock. Great banter between you and Gary. Third time lucky....maybe. AtB.

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks! 🙂 I should publish all the extra arguing that didn’t make it in 😂

[@SwampyDuckRidesAgain3636]

Just about ended myself laughing at you in that hammock. I’ve had the romantic hammock notion but being someone who sleeps a max of 2 hours a night and rumbles about the rest of the time I’m best locked in a tent lol. Good fun vid.

[@StephenJReid]

😁😁 thanks, glad you enjoyed it swampy duck

[@lifesahobby]

​@@StephenJReidyou hammock like a learner driver reverses

[@StephenJReid]

😂😂

[@HollidayHouse]

Need to get an Amok Stephen! See Jonathan “Lost Lakes” 😂. Absolutely loved this video! Well done both of you 😂😂😂❤

[@StephenJReid]

Second person to mention them. Might have to have a look! Glad you enjoyed it. Was worried it was too long. I cut about an extra 30mins of us bickering to shorten it 😂

[@andypotts8062]

This is a Stephen Reid classic...what a star Gary is oh yeah..he tells it a it is lol...quality video as usual...many many thanks, this cheered my up on a dull Friday evening lol..very best wishes

[@StephenJReid]

haha, thanks Andy! Must be very dull though to think Thursday is Friday!

[@andypotts8062]

@@StephenJReid you are so right...a senior moment has happened..ooops

[@StephenJReid]

It’s alright I mixed up Friday and Saturday on a client video last week.

[@brianclementson6505]

It's really good to have someone who is honest about hammock camping! Loved your video 😅

[@StephenJReid]

Well my opinion may change, but it’s definitely not easy to start!! 😂

[@lamangacolin]

Great choice...Tayto Smokey Bacon! Very entertaining video Stephen.

[@StephenJReid]

😁😁 thanks

[@stuartadair7052]

I'm not a great sleeper but get my best nights sleep in a hammock. Get yourself an underquilt and play around with the hang of the hammock. Some people like a banana type hang but i prefer a fairly flat (taut) hang. Also it's worth spending time to make sure the hammock is level or you end up sliding up or down it.

[@StephenJReid]

underquilt acquired!

[@stuartadair7052]

@@StephenJReid make sure you set your alarm 😴

[@TimJohnston-c4q]

Hi Stephen, you should check out the Amok hammocks range for the armchair type sleeping position instead of the traditional head to toe hammock style. Cheers

[@StephenJReid]

Interesting! I’ll take a look 🙂

[@pablomagic1]

That looks class! I have a full hammock set-up and never used it yet! And under blanket is a great addition to your set-up, adds loads of warmth. Enjoyed this one 👍

[@StephenJReid]

Have now bought the underblanket after this. Think it makes more sense than the matt.

[@ijkemp]

I remember using a hammock that I made myself years ago, but after a very long break I recently got a DD Frontline as well and have been loving it. Do keep us updated as to what you think of the gear sling too, I've got my eye on one of those ;) Also, can I ask what rucksack you're using?

[@StephenJReid]

Gearsling was really useful! Backpack is a Moment Strohl Mountain Light 45L Backpack. Specifically designed for photographers and filmmakers. I got sent one to test. quite like it. Although can get a bit uncomfortable for very heavy loadouts

[@septemberblueuk]

It’s like watching the odd couple 😂

[@StephenJReid]

There’s at least another 30mins of us arguing that didn’t make it in 😂

[@Victoriaghh]

One time in Northern Ontario Canada we forgot bug spray, and face nets on a very hot day peak of bug season. We were in the middle of nowhere, and got eaten. SWARMS of blackflies and mosquitos devoured us, and we were covered in bites.

[@StephenJReid]

Yikes!

[@bannister-lifeoutdoors8004]

Haha mate , most people would have brought the Matt into the hammock with them after the second time it moved . And used the bag like a quilt . Lol klymit do a v Matt for hammocking with wings for shoulders and hips as they get cold in hammocks ( even if it looks like a huge feminine hygiene product 😬)if you don’t like the under blanket . Tip on the under blankets don’t have them tight up against you when your in the hammock leave a good air gap to hold the warm air 🤙. Making me want to brake out my hammock gear again 🫨

[@StephenJReid]

That sounds too sensible 😂 I’ve since bought the under blanket to give it a go

[@TheOpenboater]

I'm obviously watching your videos out of sequence as I watched your following hammocking video before this one. But it did remind me of my own progression from the early days of hammocking and I too was determined to make it work. Its a strange thing, are we masochists, or is it that we just have some inate instinct that it has to work? The thing is, when my back plays up, the hammock seems to give relief from the pain so that makes me think that it must be the right way to go. Really enjoying your videos. I found you through your video with Paul Messner. Really glad I did. Keep up the good work.

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks! I’ll no doubt be attempting hammocking again

[@thekg6811]

You need a playlist called camping with Gary. Please make it happen.

[@doughobbs7706]

Often thought about hammock camping, this confirms its THE most faff'y way to camp, it's like being in a bent and badly setup bivy! 😆

[@snoop2477]

So you brought a ground tarp, a covering tarp, a sleeping pad and bag. Perfect. Then you brought a hammock... burn it You crack me up.

[@StephenJReid]

Haha, can’t go burning Christmas presents! Didn’t bring a ground tarp though. I’ve camped like that a few times but haven’t made any tarp camping videos in a long time

[@heatherdickau5335]

I am with Gary. My idea of roughing it is a black and white tv at a Holiday inn.

[@adventurousdavee]

I think I will just stick to the tent tbh , to much faff for me , and I do turn about a lot . Gary looked like he got it to easy this time . We want him on top of Bearnagh in bad weather with you next time 😎😎😎.

[@StephenJReid]

Haha doubt I’d manage to get him to agree to that. He near died the day we just hiked up with day bags

[@adventurousdavee]

@@StephenJReid I could come along for backup 😂😂

[@deekelley891]

Amok hammocks are supposed to be excellent-might try them. Several KZbinrs use them and seem to love them.

[@StephenJReid]

Added to my list 🙂

[@BurtonOutdoors]

Stick with the hammock. I tried numerous times until I changed my hammock, got a decent underblanket and just kept persisting. My biggest fail... Buying a DD frontline and underblanket... way too short with both, I invested in a Onewind 12ft zippered hammock and underblanket... totally perfect diagonal sleeps now, very comfy. Keep at it... but my tip, bin the frontline hammock and if you don't, make sure you get a decent underblanket for it... even in summer it's cold as you found out. And get rid of the mat, the sleeve idea with the DD is terrible.

[@StephenJReid]

what height are you? I've since bought the under blanket hoping to get out and test soon. Onewind actually offered to send me a hammock last year but I turned them down as they wouldn't send a full setup so wasn't much use to me.

[@BurtonOutdoors]

@StephenJReid I'm 5ft 11" Yes Onewind only seem to send one bit of kit as a freebie! I actually paid for all of mine. But after a few years with a hate relationship with the DD frontline and the underblanket I sold it. I still love my DD 3x3 multicam tarp though. If you get a onewind 12ft zippered, you have to set up the DD 3x3 tarp in a diamond as it won't cover the ends of the hammock otherwise. Basically the longer the hammock the more room you have for a flatter lay, lay diagonally and it's near flat as you can get, totally changed my hammock life by ditching the DD kit.

[@hedgerowsandzeros]

" Its edible scum ! " ... 😂.. We bought hammocks a couple of years ago. Took them out for a test hang, then we lost a lot of trees! Still haven't been out, and not wholly bothered. I did get an underquilt to do away with the mat. I think I'd prefer the lay flat Amok hammocks going off the test hangs I did. 😐

[@StephenJReid]

Edible scum is the best type 😂😂😂 off to try and get Amok to send me one for free to test

[@hedgerowsandzeros]

@@StephenJReid Waves fist in your general direction 😆

[@alanrobertson5497]

Great video, I'm the same regards sleep. Loved watching. Having the craic.❤❤

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Alan 🙂

[@PhilProctor0]

Sorry to laugh at your misfortune (attempts), but I had to pause the video because I was laughing so loud. Another great video.

[@StephenJReid]

😂 excellent feedback

[@Playerdue]

Oh man I would really like to go hiking now! Great video very funny and yet as always very serene!

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks! 🙂 get out there

[@Playerdue]

@@StephenJReid As soon as I finish for this week at the office, I promise! 😁

[@tylercollinsphoto]

Great video Stephen, Gary is brilliant 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Tyler

[@leszeknkufel]

I enjoyed this video! I hope so it will be more Gary in the future🙂Probably you need longer and wider hammock, dd,s are too smal even for me and I'm average height and built.

[@StephenJReid]

I've got the under blanket, will test again soon

[@machoneboard]

Exped stopped making it, but I have an Exped system where you sleep sideways and flat. It is excellent.

[@StephenJReid]

that sounds great!

[@machoneboard]

@@StephenJReid It was called the ergo but Amok do a similar one. Not affiliated but if you are not ready to give up on a hammock I highly recommend the flat sleep systems. The mat doesn’t shift and there is very little bowing.

[@SandiLuney]

I ❤ Gary!!!

[@StephenJReid]

He’s quite the character

[@michaelcultra4496]

Fantastic entertainment 😂

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks Michael! There’s another 30mins of nonsense I had to cut out for the sake of time 😂

[@billyharden9316]

Gary will never get a reception with that Ariel.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🤣🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@StephenJReid]

Ariel? 🧐

[@AllyRdr1]

hit like before even watching. I have faith in the video

[@StephenJReid]

Really hoping it’s worth it!

[@kevinmccarthy7195]

Gary has been making too many u-turns under the sheets! That’s how he lost all his hair! 😂

[@rednome5443]

Gary is a little bit like your very own Karl Pilkington 😂

[@StephenJReid]

That’s an excellent comparison

[@rednome5443]

Mum says that the reason you learn by making mistakes is because you don’t listen to advice in the first place 😝

[@StephenJReid]

Oh I do listen. I then choose to ignore it

[@w9gaming558]

Great video Stephen! Gary looks like he could be your older brother or even your grandfather😂

[@StephenJReid]

Grandfather 😂😂😂

[@TheNikotin33]

That bald reveal was hilarious :D

[@leemcilhatton7841]

Have you done many wild camping on the wild Atlantic way do you no many camping spots plz

[@StephenJReid]

Unfortunately not, I've been along the wild Atlantic way a couple of times on road trips but only camped once and just in a random field. There are a few places I'd like to camp though!

[@leemcilhatton7841]

@@StephenJReid OK thanks

[@gingercynic5884]

Really enjoying your videos, mate. More Gary please :D

[@StephenJReid]

Thanks! Took six months to talk him into this one!

[@adventurousdavee]

One thing was missing . Sheepie 😂😂

[@StephenJReid]

The hot water bottle or actual sheep? 😂

[@adventurousdavee]

@@StephenJReid both 😂😂

[@emerald-islander]

If you want more followers , invite Gary more often,hilarious, he should have his own TV show

[@StephenJReid]

So far this video has gained me 3 subscribers and lost me 3 😂

[@emerald-islander]

@@StephenJReid get rid quick

[@mrst284]

The slow eye close and sigh during attempt 2 made me laugh out loud….it’s akin to changing into dry clothes after a trip to the pool…too much of a workout 😂. Btw..did the ‘skin so soft’ work?

[@StephenJReid]

haha getting into bed shouldn't be exhausting ! Hmm well I didn't get annoyed by any midges but there was a bit of a breeze so can't say for sure

[@QUADFLY]

Enjoyed that. Although I’ll leave hammock camping to you! Don’t give up though. Think you’ll find your mojo after a lock of goes.

[@StephenJReid]

Yeah not giving up, have now got the underblanket and hopefully giving it another go soon!

[@StephenJReid]

Yeah not giving up, have now got the underblanket and hopefully giving it another go soon!

[@adverspace]

Loved it!

[@StephenJReid]

Thank you!

[@davidpoots8362]

Thanks Stephen, it turns out hammock camping is great fun when someone else does it for you.

[@StephenJReid]

Indeed! 😂

[@carrotsandrunning]

"i'm not going to let this trip define my thoughts on hammock camping". You should. You really should.

[@markalexander5275]

This wouldn’t look out of place in a found footage film 😂 Gary needs his own KZbin channel to dispense his wisdom.

[@StephenJReid]

😂😂 Gary with a KZbin channel sounds dangerous!

[@McKibbin120]

Lol reminded us of our hammock camping ventures. Hennessy Hammocks, uses a foil under blanket that is secured in place. Rita said we must go out again. Salt Island in Strangford Lough was our last trip. Love the hammock camping so comfortable. Keep trying and you’ll get it sorted. Lol

[@StephenJReid]

I’ve since bought the underblanket and planning on trying again soon 🙂

[@kevinmcallister2938]

the hammock looks like a lot more prep work than your average tent:-) have you checked your vitamin b 12 levels... low levels can lead to fatigue, worth getting it checked out :-) ,

[@StephenJReid]

I think once I get the hang of it (pun intended) I could have it all set up in about 10mins. Been taking a few supplements and experimenting with a few lifestyle changes that I think are helping.

[@jessicapayne8622]

Are you two related? You argue like you are! X

[@StephenJReid]

We shared a house with other friends for a few years at university

[@jessicapayne8622]

@@StephenJReid ahhhh. That’ll explain it! X

[@DavidDoyleOutdoors]

After watching this I think I will never try Hammocking,. The scum when you boil water is from the sheep poo 💩 Great video as usual, captured your misery well for our entertainment 👍 😂

[@StephenJReid]

Haha, I’m going to give it another go now I know what I’m doing. You love taking ages to get set up, should suit you 😛

[@DavidDoyleOutdoors]

@@StephenJReid 😛

[@emerald-islander]

Is this Annalong Forest Stephen?

[@StephenJReid]

Yes

[@StephenJReid]

Well kinda

[@dennisboosey6272]

Entertaining, ADVICE. Use a tent😅😅😅😅

[@StephenJReid]

😂🤣

[@SONICTONICfpv]

Yea I like Gary's idea of camping. Though it is fun watching his misery 😂

[@StephenJReid]

He got off lightly this time!

[@Velobetty]

I can see how people love hammocks but I hate them. I'm a side-sleeper so they're not really set up for me though.

[@vickym5064]

I can improve your hammock experience……get a kammock with the necessary insulated bottom, etc.

[@StephenJReid]

I've now bought the underblanket

[@vickym5064]

Glad you’re persevering. Thanks for the great videos. Stay healthy

[@lifesahobby]

This reminded ne of baby sitting soneone elses dog . . Especially you killing your sleep

[@StephenJReid]

haha slept better than expected in the end

[@lifesahobby]

@@StephenJReid your poor friends imagination whilst listening to you shuffling though . Lord help him . I hope you are getting a climb in each week . I want to do that Mourne wall , I've one question though . Is there loads of water or is that a stupid question .

[@colincampbell4261]

Hammocks will do your back in.

[@TheUpsetter]

the worst person to take camping... A Ginger!!

[@StephenJReid]

My face is half ginger!

[@TheUpsetter]

@@StephenJReid lol 😂😂

[@Derchlands]

Of course you struggle with hammocks, you keep buying terrible ones that are too small for you. Buy the cheapest tent that is shorter than you and you will also have a bad time.

[@StephenJReid]

You make it sound like that’s my fault when the brand states that this tent is suitable for people considerably taller than me